Search form

Bigwig automaker Ford said in a Thursday announcement that it is rolling out a software upgrade to its SYNC infotainment system, to bring on some much-desired features -- including Siri Eyes-Free capability -- which are lacking in the older SYNC versions.

The SYNC software upgrade is being rolled out by Ford for its vehicles dating back to the 2011 model year. These vehicles are equipped with a SYNC version called MyFord Touch.

According to the announcement, the upgraded SYNC infotainment system will give iPhone users the ability to gain wireless access to the eyes-free capabilities of Apple’s Siri virtual assistant, with the help of Bluetooth. The addition of Siri Eyes-Free capabilities to SYNC will essentially allow drivers to activate Siri by long-pressing the voice recognition button on the steering wheel.

About the Siri Eyes-Free capability which the SYNC upgrade will bring to nearly 5 million customers, Ford said that the upgraded software will essentially unfold increased convenience for the users of the Apple iPhone.

Towards that end, Sherif Marakby – Director of Ford Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering – said in a recent statement: “Siri Eyes-Free is another great voice-activated feature that not only adds convenience but helps our customers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.”